Washington: TikTok began restoring its services on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to revive the app’s access in the U.S. upon assuming office on Monday.
“Frankly, we have no choice. We have to save it,” Trump stated at a rally on Sunday, just ahead of his inauguration. He emphasized the need for a joint venture to secure the app, which boasts 170 million American users.
In a message to its users, TikTok expressed gratitude, saying: “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.”
TikTok announced it was restoring service to users in the US after it briefly went dark in anticipation of a law forcing it to shut down in the country https://t.co/t9LUGYJjij pic.twitter.com/iRVHb8pKhy
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 20, 2025
Gradual Restoration and Assurances
Earlier, TikTok confirmed that some users were regaining access to its website, while the app itself began limited functionality. However, the app remained unavailable for download on U.S. app stores by Sunday evening.
“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service,” the company said, adding its appreciation to Trump for providing “the necessary clarity and assurance” to service providers that they would face no penalties for supporting TikTok’s return.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington had criticized the U.S. for using “unfair state power to suppress TikTok.” A spokesperson stated, “China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
National Security Concerns and Future Plans
TikTok was temporarily shut down in the U.S. on Saturday due to a law enacted on national security grounds. Officials raised concerns about potential misuse of American user data by TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance.
Trump pledged to extend the law’s implementation timeline, stating, “We can make a deal to protect our national security.” He proposed a joint venture with a 50% U.S. ownership stake, providing no liability for companies involved in keeping TikTok operational.
The app had earlier notified users about its temporary unavailability while highlighting Trump’s commitment to reinstating it after taking office.
A Shift in Stance
This decision marks a significant departure from Trump’s first term, during which he sought to ban TikTok over data security concerns. Recently, he acknowledged the app’s influence, crediting it with helping him engage young voters during the 2024 election campaign.
In 2020, Trump approved a partnership between ByteDance, Oracle, and Walmart to avoid a complete ban. However, his Republican colleagues, including Senators Tom Cotton and Pete Ricketts, have criticized the recent developments, insisting that any revival must meet strict divestiture requirements.
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Broader Implications
The law banning TikTok gives the U.S. government extensive authority to regulate other Chinese-owned apps. ByteDance-owned apps like CapCut and Lemon8 also faced disruptions over the weekend.
Meanwhile, web searches for VPN services surged as users sought alternatives to access TikTok. Businesses relying on the app scrambled to develop contingency plans amid the uncertainty.
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TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is reportedly set to attend Trump’s inauguration and a subsequent rally. Discussions about potential buyers, including Elon Musk and former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, have surfaced. ByteDance has denied rumors of negotiations with Musk.
Privately held ByteDance, primarily owned by institutional investors like BlackRock and General Atlantic, remains at the center of these developments. Analysts estimate TikTok’s value could reach $50 billion.
